LTE – Now made available anywhere

This blog post was published before O3b Networks transitioned to SES Networks.

We discover why LTE is the fastest growing mobile and broadband technology.

4G-LTE is the most advanced and efficient mobile architecture available today. The superior spectral efficiency and carrier aggregation support of 4G-LTE makes more efficient use of spectrum, and provides the end-user with a faster connection. Improved packet data latency compared to previous generations of mobile networks contributes to this enhanced user experience when loading webpages and other content. All in all, it improves accessibility and quality of experience (QoE) while reducing power consumption and providing a greener more sustainable solution. These are all important factors for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who aim to provide reliable broadband and increase their revenue stream from in developing countries with poor fixed broadband alternatives.

4G-LTE uses all IP network architecture and is dedicated for packet switched operations. This means that voice and data can flow over IP enabling Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Video over LTE (ViLTE). O3b’s recent support of TIM, a leading MNO in Brazil, in launching LTE with VoLTE and ViLTE was an historic milestone for the region, bringing stellar results to some of the most challenging areas to connect.

The tests demonstrated smooth interoperability between voice and video calls across different carriers, an excellent QoE and KPIs measuring significantly higher than targeted – including: accessibility, rain fade, mobility and quality. O3b has customized dedicated QoS for VoLTE and ViLTE, which is what made the test results so unique on top of the low latency of the O3b network.

End-users greatly benefit from the QoE enabled by O3b’s low latency LTE solutions. Our MNO customers have rapidly grown their subscriber bases and data volumes by up to x25 as a result of the improved performance. O3b solutions naturally enable 4G-LTE connectivity due to the low latency, high throughput and scalable capabilities of the technology. O3b’s unconstrained reach and quick deployment times will be a significant driver of 4G-LTE network buildouts in 2017.

German-based global satellite provider CETel, enabled by SES Networks’ end-to-end managed connectivity solutions, has transformed mining operations in one of the most remote, land-locked sites in the world with access to cloud-based systems.
Case Study

The life of a seafarer can be very isolating. To be thousands of miles away from day-to-day interactions with the people who matter most. Today, connectivity is the key to crew welfare, and to recruiting and retaining the most experienced seafarers.